Thomas Carlyle "Tom" Paton Jr., son of Thomas Carlyle ((1877-1949) and Alma Pauline (Snider) (1893-1979) Paton, was born 15 July 1923 Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.  He graduated in 1941 from Okemos High School.  Tom was a great track athlete, having tied for first place and equalled the OHS school record in the high jump in the State Finals.  Additionally, he set a new Okemos school record for most points in a season.  The Lansing State Journal immortalized the this tremendous athletic feat in a special article on June 3, 1941. 

Tom joined the Marines in World War II.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 24 May 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Paton have sold their home in Okemos and will move to Traverse City to live.  The Paton's have lived here a number of years,  Mr. Paton managing the Snyder Coal & Fuel company in Lansing.  Their son, Second Lieut. Thomas Paton, has been home on leave from his camp.

Tom married Martha Gabrielcik 29 May 1947 Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Martha was born 7 October 1920 Pennsylvania. 

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 17 June 1947

Word has been received here of the marriage of Miss Martha Gabrewick (misspelled) of Debusquene, Pa., to Thomas Paton, Jr., formerly of Okemos, on June 7.  The wedding took place at the home town of the bride.  After a honeymoon in Vermont the couple will come to East Lansing to reside.

Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Tuesday 24 June 1952

OUT OF MARINES, TO TAKE OLD JOB

Thomas Paton has returned to Lansing after 13 months in the marines and will resume the managership of the Lansing Blue Cross office, it has announced Tuesday.

He joined the Lansing office in 1947.  As first lieutenant in the marines Paton served as a chief instuctor in the infantry weapons training program at Camp Pendleton, Cal.

Tom died 2 August 2002 Burlingame, San Mateo County, California.